2018 Ferrari Portofino replaces California T
All-new GT retains coupe-cabriolet format but gets a new name, is more powerful, lighter, faster and cleaner. To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Ferrari continues to bring exclusive new products to its adoring public, this time with a replacement for its entry-level model, the California T, renamed Portofino.
The all-new grand tourer retains the California T’s 2+2 layout and its folding hardtop roof coupe-cabriolet configuration and is named after the exclusive Italian port.
With sleek new lines and sharp looks, it gets a similar front end to the GTC4Lusso with LED headlights and a side profile that has almost one continuous slope from the peak of the roof down the rear flick-up spoiler.
The back end is similar to the Ferrari 488GTB with its single round LED tail lights pushed to the extremities of the car and chiselled into the top of the boot lid.
The Portofino all-new chassis is lighter than the California T yet has more torsional rigidity. It also has a 46-54% front to rear weight distribution.
Under the bonnet is an updated version of Ferrari’s latest 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. It gets new pistons, con-rods and a revised air intake system.
The 3855cc engine develops 592bhp at 7,500rpm and 561lb ft of torque from 3,000rpm through to 5,250rpm. It’ll get a shift on too as standstill to 62mph takes just 3.5 seconds and it’ll storm onto a top speed of 198mph.
It’ll return 26.9mpg on an official combined cycle and emits 245g/km of CO2.
Ferrari has worked to improve driver involvement and comfort with a new electric power steering system that reduces the steering ratio by seven percent while a revised damping system reduces roll and improves ride comfort. It also gets Ferrari’s latest rear differential (E-Diff3).
The folding roof can be raised and lowered at slow speeds, while the Portofino gets a 10.2in touchscreen display, new air-con system, new steering wheel, 18-way electrically adjustable seats and a new wind deflector that reduces cabin air flow by 30%.
The all-new Ferrari Portofino will make its world debut at Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.
